Saudi Arabia The US Department of Defence announced on 8 September the possible sale of $2,700 million worth of weapons and technical support services to Saudi Arabia.

The packages requested are to supply equipment and technical support for the National Guard and the Royal Saudi Air Force. The proposed deals are for:

Technical support, programmed depot maintenance, training and modifications for the National Guard's F-15 fighter jets. The Al-Salaam Aircraft Company, a local/US offset venture 50 per cent owned by The Boeing Company, will be the prime contractor for the work valued at $690 million.

A $416 million order for 132 light armoured fighting vehicles from General Motors Corporation, 1,827 TOW A2 anti-tank missiles, 27 lot acceptance missiles and advanced high frequency communications equipment made by Raytheon Corporation.

A $1,600 million order for contractor technical services including flight simulators, parts and technical support for the entire F-15 fleet. A contractor has not yet been appointed for the contract set to run up to the end of 2003.

The announcement of the contracts depends on the routine approval of the US Congress.